Wake Field Interaction in 3D Tidal Turbine Arrays: Numerical Analysis for the Pentland Firth
Publication: Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal, and Ocean Engineering
Volume 150, Issue 6
Abstract
This study presents a methodology for applying the three-dimensional actuator disk-RANS technique in modeling tidal energy converters within a regional-scale simulation. Of particular interest are the robustness of the applied momentum source term and its effectiveness in modeling an array of full-sized tidal turbines under realistic hydrodynamic and operational conditions. The Inner Sound region, which is the site of commercial-scale deployment projects of the Pentland Firth in Scotland, is chosen as the study area. While the actuator disk approach had been used in past studies to parameterize the far-wake region of horizontal-axis tidal turbines, details of its three-dimensional implementation have not been thoroughly discussed. Criteria adopted in deciding the array location are presented in this study, along with the actuator disks’ detailed setup and constraints. The models are subjected to one operational characteristic that is similar to commercial devices in service to examine the accuracy of the imposed source term under complex flow conditions. The results demonstrate that the thickness of the disk imposed in the source term has a pronounced influence on the model outputs. In addition to accurately modeling flow propagation and wake interactions, the models are also able to replicate the observed asymmetrical tidal currents in the region. Because there is currently limited published material on the detailed application of the actuator disk approach in ocean-scale models, this study is hoped to fill the research gap and provide evidence, guidance, and examples of best practices for future studies.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or codes that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
The first author would like to extend sincere appreciation for the postdoctoral funding provided by the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia, and Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), which enabled this research to be carried out.
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Published In
Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal, and Ocean Engineering
Volume 150 • Issue 6 • November 2024
Copyright
© 2024 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 9, 2023
Accepted: Jun 20, 2024
Published online: Jul 16, 2024
Published in print: Nov 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Dec 16, 2024
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